Vancouver Council Approves Next Step In Indigenous-Led 2030 Olympic Bid

The Chiefs of four First Nations say support for the Indigenous-led bid for the 2030 Olympic Winter Games is an opportunity to act on government commitments to reconciliation.

The Chiefs of four First Nations say support for the Indigenous-led bid for the 2030 Olympic Winter Games is an opportunity to act on government commitments to reconciliation.

The group spoke to a Vancouver city council committee, which has voted to continue to support the nations in their bid for the 2030 Olympics. 

Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart said after the vote that council had made a very important decision to continue to work with the host nations.

"I would call this the end of Phase 1. We've all decided that this is worth exploring,” said Stewart.

The chiefs of the four host nations, Squamish, Lil'wat, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam, appeared before a standing committee meeting Wednesday, saying that supporting the Indigenous-led bid is an opportunity to act on government commitments to reconciliation.

The vote came after some concern was raised about finances and a tight timeline to submit the bid to the International Olympic Committee next year.

The nations said earlier this month that the estimated cost for hosting the Games could range from $3.5 billion to $4 billion, in a blend of public and private funds.

The Canadian Olympic Committee says the bid would still need approval from the provincial and federal governments before it is finalized.